Feminism breaking down barriers

When asked, "What do you think when you hear the term 'feminism'?" students had varied responses. To some it was an unimportant social issue. Others thought of crazy women. My favorite answer was from Amanda Gross: "I think of me. But most people have a negative feeling for the term. I define it as equality."

Feminists are not all man-hating, anti-shaving psychos that take offense to every little thing. They are simply people (men included) who believe in taking steps, big and small, to break down the social barriers that still prevent women from being seen as and feeling that they are equal to men.

I was raised working just as hard (if not harder) than any of the boys in my rural community. I lived on a farm, planting, tilling, laying irrigation, training horses, fixing fences, breaking ice, and throwing hay. I NEVER felt, or even had to consider, that I was not as strong, smart, or capable as anyone else.

My mother was the main breadwinner in my family, and my father took care of the farm and raised my sister and me. At times my friends made fun of me for my dad being the "stay-at-home mom." Other times my friends (90 percent of whom were boys) wouldn't let me play because I was a girl. I am sure I was hurt those times...but what I remember most was beating boys on my street at arm wrestling, bike racing, and "cranberry apple wars." I was strong and independent-and completely naïve of the social inequalities women face.

I thought feminists were crazy too because I had never really FELT oppressed, and because of the way everyone reacted when they heard the word. I thought feminists were silly for thinking that women were being held back from having everything men could have. I thought boys were dumb for thinking I was different or weaker than they were. I felt that proving myself was a fine way to make them think otherwise...but I realized that not all females were raised the way I was.

Not all women feel empowered. These are the women who feel they need to rely on a man and are entangled in an abusive relationship, women who hit the "glass ceiling" at work and don't even realize it's because they are female, women that don't even see they are being held back because of their gender, and women who DO know they are being pushed down yet do nothing. These are the women who need support and inspiration.

Not all men have to have it proven to them that women are just as smart, strong and capable as they are. Intelligent men are feminists too. I am impressed with the number of guys on campus who feel passionately about breaking down the social inequalities between the genders. It is through inactivity and ignorance that we prevent the true equality of the genders. Men play an important role through support and understanding, as well as action.

As women, though, it is our duty to take action on our own behalf and on the behalf of those women who are less aware. We don't have to just prove to men that we are strong, capable, smart and independent. A woman must start with proving to HERSELF these realities, thus automatically breaking down many of the barriers holding her back, and inspiring others to do the same.

Breaking down negative stereotypes surrounding feminism is a key step in the road toward gender equality. Women enjoy being treated like ladies by gentlemen-there is nothing wrong with this. I do not take offense at having the door opened for me or receiving flowers; just the opposite. Nor am I afraid of mud, the weight room, or hard work. Women should be treated like ladies and as equals.

Kudos to those who see us as equals, and thank you to those that attack the barriers of social inequality. Along with the great girls and guys who support the goal of equality for women, I hope to see more people, especially on this campus, get increasingly involved and aware of this and other issues holding humanity back from true equality.